The group considered one aspect of the workplan and identified areas of commonality.

Engagement with community/signatories is a priority.

Organisations involved in the Interim Group

The Interim Group is made up of participants similar to those who participated on the Advisory Group. Participants may change as the Interim Group becomes clearer about what it needs to do. Current participating organisations include:

Christchurch City Council: Helen Beaumont

Community and Public Health: Sandy Brinsdon and Sara Epperson

Environment Canterbury: Vanessa Scott

Greater Christchurch Partnership: Keith Tallentire

Mana Whenua ki Waitaha: Wendy Dallas-Katoa

Ministry of Social Development: Shane Carter

NGO signatories: Sharon Torstonson (from SEWN)

Selwyn District Council: Lisa Larkin

Waimakariri District Council: Tessa Sturley

Thanks also to Claire Bryant, Rex Gibson, Gail McLauchlan and Marie Ward for participating in this meeting.

Why an Interim Group was formed

The Greater Christchurch Partnership identified Healthy Christchurch as a lead for the ‘Health and Communities’ stream of the Urban Development Strategy, along with the Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils. This means we have an opportunity to formally strengthen and expand the Healthy Christchurch network and enhance its regional relevance.

The Interim Group will formalise a decision about whether to expand the network or not. The group will also be tasked with:

developing a Terms of Reference for the next Advisory Group;

developing a high-level work programme; and

continuing to engage with signatories throughout its processes.

An expanded Healthy Christchurch network would operate like the existing one, so would still lead new projects, be a vehicle for communication and consultation with communities, and provide a mechanism to be a voice at decision making tables around the region.